Aerial refueling systems market seen reaching $1.06 billion by 2030

The global aerial refueling systems market is projected to grow from $0.76 billion in 2026 to $1.06 billion by 2030, according to a new report from The Business Research Company. The forecast points to steady demand from military modernization, longer-range missions and next-generation tanker fleets, with North America leading now and Asia-Pacific expected to grow fastest.

Why it matters: - Aerial refueling systems extend aircraft range and endurance, making them central to long-range combat, rapid force deployment and sustained military operations. - The market’s expected rise to $1.06 billion by 2030 points to continued defense spending on capabilities that expand operational reach without relying on ground refueling. - Growth in this niche market reflects broader military modernization priorities across major defense forces.

What happened: - The Business Research Company published its Aerial Refueling Systems Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2026-2035 on Oct. 9, 2026. - The report says the global aerial refueling systems market will grow from $0.69 billion in 2025 to $0.76 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will reach $1.06 billion by 2030, implying a CAGR of 8.7% over the forecast period. - North America held the largest share of the market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region through the forecast period. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - A free sample of the report is available here. - The full report is available here.

The details: - Aerial refueling systems transfer fuel between aircraft in flight. - The systems are used mainly in military aviation. - The technology supports longer missions, continuous aerial operations and strategic air mobility. - The report cites military modernization, long-range combat missions, rising defense budgets, expanding air mobility needs and tanker aircraft procurement as key drivers of recent growth. - The report also points to rising deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles, investment in next-generation tanker fleets and demand for autonomous refueling capabilities as growth drivers ahead. - Expected market trends include multi-mission aerial refueling platforms, higher mission endurance, tanker fleet modernization, high-capacity refueling systems and advanced fuel transfer and safety technologies. - The report says military modernization programs are accelerating investment in aerial refueling systems as countries respond to geopolitical tensions and security threats. - A March 2023 European Security and Defence College report said the US Army’s modernization efforts are expected to introduce 35 new future force systems by 2030, supporting more than 500 active development, acquisition or upgrade projects. - The report includes market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technologies and future trends, and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests aerial refueling is shifting from a supporting capability to a strategic enabler for long-range power projection and joint operations. - The emphasis on autonomous refueling and unmanned aerial vehicles signals a broader move toward more connected and less crew-dependent defense systems. - Regional growth outside North America could reflect wider efforts to build independent air power and reduce operational constraints over long distances.

What's next: - Defense ministries and air forces are likely to keep prioritizing tanker fleet upgrades and refueling integration as part of broader modernization programs. - Market growth will likely track procurement decisions tied to unmanned systems, long-range missions and new tanker aircraft platforms. - The report positions Asia-Pacific as the region to watch as defense investment expands across multiple markets.

The bottom line: - Aerial refueling systems are on a steady growth path through 2030 as militaries invest in longer reach, more endurance and faster force projection.